Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | North Carolina | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,470 | $45,190 | +5.0% vs US |
| State Rank | #9 of 49 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 1,820 jobs | 70,110 jobs | 2.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,660 | $16.66 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,480 | $19.46 |
| Median | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,850 | $25.41 |
| 90th Percentile | $58,560 | $28.15 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina in 2026?
With a median salary of $47,470 in North Carolina and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +29.8%, grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic are still in strong and growing demand.
How can grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic increase their salary in North Carolina?
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: North Carolina currently ranks #9 out of 49 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $72,680 |
| Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing | $68,330 |
| Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | $55,410 |
How are Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic paid in North Carolina compared to the national average?
The median salary for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in North Carolina is $47,470, which is 5.0% above the national median of $45,190.